Thanks to Bitterne Park Parish for sending us the following piece introducing Reverend Andy Smith (left), in their own words.

Andy is married to Nicky and has three children, Olive, Etienne and Amélie. He was born in south London but lived for most of his childhood in Poole. This is where he developed his love for the sea that brought him to live in Southampton for the first time.

He studied oceanography in Southampton as an undergraduate where he also was significantly involved in student ministry as part of Highfield Church. It is here that Andy and Nicky met. Following this, they moved to Oxford where Andy began his training for ordination at Wycliffe Hall and Nicky completed her nursing training.

Andy was ordained in 2009 serving his title post in the Parish of Lymington. It is here that he completed a Masters in Contemporary Ecclesiology at King's College, London.

Andy, Nicky and the family are pleased to be returning (or moving for the first time for the children) to serve God in Southampton. We are excited to get to know you all and to journey together into the exciting things that God has in store for us all in Bitterne Park.